She grins. “He’s nice. We’re really different, though.”
“Not necessarily a bad thing.”
“I know. We’ll see. Anyway, call me tomorrow. I want to go to Nicola’s for dinner. I’ve been craving pizza.”
“Okay. Be safe.”
She locks arms with her friend, and they head out to start their ten minute walk back to her place. Dameion leaves with Jazz, choosing to spend the night with her, and I haven’t seen Mason for at least half an hour. Once there’s only a handful of people left, I start cleaning up.
“Hey,” Christie says, walking up to the breakfast bar that’s littered with chips and half empty bottles and cans. “Guess the night’s over.”
Oliver’s nearby, pouring out the remaining beer and tossing the containers in the trash.
“Yeah,” I reply, wiping down the counter. “I gotta help clean up. I don’t wanna leave it all to him.” I use my thumb to gesture to Oliver.
“It’s fine,” he says. “I can do the rest.
Christie’s eyes light up.
“No, man. It’s your first party in the house. I’m not gonna make you clean up the mess alone.”
“I really don’t mind,” he replies. “I’m only gonna clean the kitchen. We can do the rest tomorrow.”
Why is he making it so easy for me to disappear with her? After what he said.
“Come on, Aiden,” Christie pleads. “He said he’s got it.”
I turn and look at Oliver, searching his face for any hint of emotion. As always, he doesn’t look too affected.
“You want me to go?” I ask.
As I await his answer, I hear Christie’s friends approach her, asking if she’s ready to go.
“I want you to do whatever it is you want to do,” he replies, eyes laser focused on me.
I don’t know why I’m expecting him to beg me not to, but part of me wants him to, because then it keeps me from making the decision. If I turn Christie down and send her away, am I admitting to something? To liking him? But if I go with her, it could potentially hurt his feelings. Is that my responsibility, though? To keep him happy by not dating or fucking anyone else? It’s not like we’re together. I don’t owe him fidelity.
“Okay. Fine.” I say the words like I’m throwing down the gauntlet, daring him to have a reaction.
“Okay,” he says calmly. So calm it irritates me. Why am I so affected by him?
“Come on, Christie. Let’s go.”
She stops talking to her friends. “Oh. Okay. Yeah, so I guess I’ll catch up with you guys later,” she tells them.
“Okay, see you,” the redheaded friend says.
Once both her girlfriends leave, the house is completely empty of guests. I’m already halfway up the stairs, listening to her quick footsteps as she rushes to follow me.
“Wow, you’re in a hurry,” she says with a light laugh, closing the door behind her.
“I can’t stand that guy.”
“Who?” she asks, looking confused.
I pace back and forth. “My fucking roommate.”
Her brows knit even further. “He seemed nice. He’s cleaning for you.”
